Test Equipment and Measurement Instrument Blog

We attended the Institute of Food Technologists’ FIRST Conference in Chicago this year, and it was an opportunity to connect with those across the food and beverage industry to focus on what comes “FIRST”: That is, Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. 

It aimed to bring together thousands from across the food sector; all focused on bettering the global food system by showcasing the work and insights of the most qualified researchers, entrepreneurs, scientists–and engineers, like our team at Kett.

While Kett’s laboratory-quality instruments serve more than just those in the food industry, one question we repeatedly fielded during this conference was regarding our NIR moisture meters and composition meters and their instant results. The question? Compared to traditional, legacy methods of gauging moisture and composition like the loss-on drying method, just how “instant” is instant?

Coffee is far and away one of the most popular, most beloved beverages across the globe. Connoisseurs of this drink spend years perfecting their knowledge and refining their palates to appreciate the unique flavor profile of each blend, origin, source point, and roast type.

In many industries, businesses operate under the belief that they are merely selling commodities—generic products where price competition is fierce and margins are thin. This mindset often leads to cost-cutting measures, particularly in areas like safety and maintenance, under the assumption that such expenses harm the bottom line. However, this approach overlooks a critical factor: efficiency is not just a cost center, it's a significant driver of profitability, even—or especially—in commodity-driven sectors.

Are you a coffee lover? If yes, why not start a business that aligns with your passion?

Unless people who wear or use cosmetics are also actively involved in its development, chances are they don’t give much thought to the physics of makeup and other cosmetic products.

There aren’t many industries that rely on the exact precision and attention to minute detail the way that the pharmaceutical industry does. Each aspect of the production process and every single product has to be created with impeccable accuracy. This, of course, is critical, as too much or too little of a particular substance can have major implications for the efficacy, strength, and safety of a drug. 

What causes hemp plants to flower and reproduce? And what causes these plants to produce cannabinoids?

The answer is light. 

Hemp is an incredibly photosensitive plant. This means it has a more pronounced chemical response to receiving ultraviolet (UV) light photons. When there are changes to the amount of light a hemp plant receives, it starts to flower and reproduce by setting seeds.

A composition analyzer can be a crucial instrument in any lab or production line setting, testing the makeup, efficacy, and quality of products, and evaluating all kinds of constituents besides moisture, including:

From 2018 through 2023, the hemp industry is projected to grow by $3.8 billion, with a key driver for this growth being hemp’s usefulness to the textiles industry—making hemp biomass more sought after than ever before. 

Laboratory mixing is an exact science. Whether creating new polymers and plastics, or mixing pulp, paper, or chemicals, results must be accurate, reliable, and perhaps most importantly, repeatable. This means that having the proper instruments on hand is key.